MYALL Coast parents have welcomed the $100 sporting rebate for school-aged children announced as part of last week’s NSW Budget.

The Active Kids Rebate will available from 1 January next year, to assist with covering the cost of sports registration and membership, as well as swimming lesson fees.

Belinda Cunningham said her two children are involved in soccer and swimming, which both attract a $90 registration fee for each child.

“The rebate is definitely welcomed, as the costs of registrations, uniforms and equipment certainly do add up,” Belinda told News Of The Area.

Bulahdelah Swimming Club Secretary, Georgina Cunich, said the rebate is positive step forward.

“Some families are restricted financially, particularly if their children wish to participate in more than one sport during the year,” she said.

“Hopefully the rebate will now enable more young people to be involved in both summer and winter sports.”

With sparse pickings for the region in the rest of the State Budget, there is little else to be excited about.

For small businesses, insurance duty will be abolished on commercial vehicles, as well as professional indemnity and public liability insurance, bringing savings of around five percent on premiums.

Bulahdelah Farm and Garden owner, Dave Saul, said as the duties are a small component of their total running costs, “there is really nothing in the budget for small businesses”.

“It is only the largest of the small businesses that will get any real benefit from the removal of the duties,” he said.

For primary producers, the budget includes the removal of the 2.5 percent premium on crop and livestock insurance duty.

Anthony Dorney, from Relf’s Mill in Bulahdelah, said the reduction in premiums is a positive for farmers.

“Every little bit helps, but not all primary producers will benefit,” he said.

“The timber industry has missed out on any reforms, and we are still waiting on the government to make a decision on the industry roadmap, which we hope will ensure a stronger and more sustainable industry.”

The budget also includes $6million for a new anti-bullying scheme in NSW Schools.